Jerry Zucker (businessman) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jerry Zucker
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| Born | August 24, 1949 |
| Died | April 12, 2008 (aged 58) |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | University of Florida |
| Occupation | Businessman, investor, philanthropist. |
| Known for | Philanthropy |
| Spouse(s) | Anita Zucker (m. 1970) |
| Children | 3 |
Jerry Zucker was an American businessman, investor, and a kind person who gave a lot to charity. He was born in Israel in 1949 and passed away in 2008. He was known for leading big companies and for his generous donations.
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Jerry Zucker's Career
Jerry Zucker was the head of a company called the InterTech Group. He also led another company, the Polymer Group. This company bought the Dominion Textile Company in 1997.
Later, in 2006, he bought the Hudson's Bay Company in Canada. This is a very old company, started way back in 1670! He became its leader. Jerry Zucker was also a part-owner of the South Carolina Stingrays, a hockey team.
He was a very successful businessman. Forbes magazine listed him as one of the richest Americans. He held over 350 patents for his inventions. He also gave millions of dollars to help people through medical missions and local charities.
Jerry Zucker's Personal Life
Jerry Zucker was born on August 24, 1949, in Tel Aviv, Israel. He was one of three children. His parents, Leon and Zipora Zucker, were survivors of the Holocaust.
In 1952, when Jerry was young, his family moved to the United States through Ellis Island. As a child, he lived in different states like South Carolina, Florida, and New Jersey. He went to Jewish day schools that his parents helped start.
Education and Family
Jerry Zucker studied at the University of Florida. He majored in Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. Later, he earned another degree in Electrical Engineering.
He was married to his high school sweetheart, Anita Goldberg, for 38 years. They had three children: Jonathan, Andrea, and Jeffrey. Jerry Zucker lived most of his adult life in Charleston, South Carolina.
His Passing
Jerry Zucker passed away on April 12, 2008, from a brain tumor. He was survived by his wife, Anita, and his three children.
At his funeral, Ted Levin, a synagogue president, spoke about Jerry's kindness. He said that anyone who asked Jerry for help always received it. He added that Jerry's death was a loss for the whole world.
Jerry Zucker's Legacy
After Jerry Zucker passed away, many things were named in his honor. These names help remember his contributions to the community.
Schools and Sports
The Charleston County School District decided to name a new middle school after him. The Jerry Zucker Middle School of Science opened on August 24, 2008. This day would have been Jerry's 59th birthday.
The South Carolina Stingrays hockey team, which Jerry partly owned, put "JZ" stickers on their helmets. They still do this today. The team also honored him by adding him to their Hockey Hall of Fame in 2009.
The Stingrays created the Jerry Zucker Community Service Award. This award is given every year to the player who helps the local community the most. The first player to receive it was Spencer Carbery.
Charity and Research
The Jerry Zucker Ride for Hope started in October 2008. This event raises money for cancer research. The money goes to the Hollings Cancer Center at the Medical University of South Carolina.
In 2009, Jerry's family donated $2 million to the Medical University of South Carolina. Half of this money helped create the Jerry Zucker Endowed Chair in Brain Tumor Research. This supports research into brain tumors. The other half helped with spinal cord research and medical training in Tanzania.
